Hedgehog Awareness Week returns from 4th-10th May with locals on the Isle of Wight and across the UK being urged to take simple steps to help protect one of Britain’s most loved but vulnerable creatures.
Organised annually by The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), this year’s campaign is encouraging people to ‘Give hedgehogs the edge!’ by making the boundaries of gardens, parks, and green spaces more welcoming for wildlife.
Hedgehogs are a key indicator species. They require relatively little to survive, so if their numbers are in decline, it could signal that local habitats are failing to support a wide range of wildlife – including humans.
BHPS has issued a 7-point guide for residents to support hedgehogs in their local areas:
- Let garden edges grow wild with log piles, leaf heaps and natural shelter.
- Cut ‘Hedgehog Highways’ – 13cm x 13cm gaps in fences or walls – to allow free movement.
- Ensure garden ponds have escape routes using ramps or gently sloping sides.
- Remove litter from hedges and garden borders and alert landowners to problem areas.
- Provide shallow bowls of fresh water, adding pebbles to help other pollinators drink safely.
- Avoid using harmful chemicals and pesticides.
- Raise garden netting 30cm above ground and store sports nets after use to prevent entanglement.
Fay Vass, Chief Executive for BHPS, has said:
“Sadly, hedgehogs are a species on the edge of real trouble – but there is lots we can do during #HedgehogWeek and beyond to help create and link fantastic habitat for hedgehogs. Just a little effort from each of us could make a world of difference to hedgehogs!
“If you don’t have a garden, you can still help! Contact local landowners and groups to let them know how they can help hedgehogs on their land, share our advice leaflets and posters, or donate to our Hedgehog Awareness Week appeal at www.justgiving.com/campaign/haw25.”
